Madelene Sagström's Long Shot Causes Stir at Evian Championship

Maja Stark's three-ball was standing and putting. Then came Madelene Sagström's ball rolling in on the green – from 267 yards. I apologized, but I think they were a little angry, says the Swede.

» Published: July 10 2025 at 08:11

Madelene Sagström's Long Shot Causes Stir at Evian Championship
Photo: Seth Wenig/AP/TT

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In golf, it is of course a given rule not to hit approach shots to the green when players are on it.

So what was Madelene Sagström actually doing on hole 15 during the first round of the major Evian Championship?

I had 267 yards to the pin, so I thought there was no chance I would reach the green. 20 meters short of the green I would have been satisfied with, but then it rolled up to four feet from the pin. I hit a "spoon" that was longer than my drive from the tee, says Sagström with a little laugh.

Really just as pleased did not seem to be the threesome with Maja Stark, Mao Saigo and Minjee Lee on the green.

I saw that they started waving their arms, and I just "oh dear, then it must be on the green". I apologized, but I think they were a bit angry.

The Swedes over par

Sagström made a simple and much-needed eagle on the hole, but it was not quite enough to get the game going. She finished the day with 72 strokes, one over par.

I did not make any putts and had a few too poor iron shots. But if you get a little momentum on the course, there are definitely opportunities for a good score ahead, says the 32-year-old.

Also for Maja Stark, it became 72 strokes in the opening round. The fresh US Open winner had a feeling of fever before the major, but still got a flying start with two birdies on the first three holes.

Then it went worse.

That Stark has a hot temperament is no secret – in the PGA Championship recently she slammed her putter in anger – and even now her clear frustration was noticeable on the course.

Leading on –6

A final bogey on the day's last hole, to make matters worse a relatively easy par 5 hole, did not improve Stark's mood. After the round, she refused to answer questions from the press.

Anna Nordqvist, the third Swede who played in the morning, went on 73 strokes.

Irish Leona Maguire made a hole-in-one during her 65-round and she shares the early lead with Andrea Lee, USA, and Gabriela Ruffels, Australia.

In the afternoon, two more Swedes will play: Linn Grant and Ingrid Lindblad.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers
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